Autoimmune conditions are when the immune system attacks the body. In the case of multiple sclerosis, the body targets the spinal cord of the nervous system or the brain. Learn more about the condition and its effects on the body.
Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system. It interrupts the flow of information in the brain and between the body and the brain. MS causes various problems throughout the body—vision problems, balance, leg or arm movement, and sensation.
When the protective cover around the nerves, called the myelin sheath, breaks down, the brain starts to have difficulties communicating with the rest of the body.
The condition can be mild but can cause significant changes to one’s quality of life. The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown, but doctors know the long-term effects and ways to manage the symptoms.
In 2019, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society funded a study that shows almost one million people in the U.S.is suffering from the condition. Early signs of MS usually show up in people aged 20 to 40. However, it can develop at any point in life.
MS is more common in women than men. It is also among the most common causes of disability in young adults. In many cases of MS, doctors can help patients manage their symptoms. However, life expectancy is reduced for people living with the condition.
Symptoms and signs of multiple sclerosis vary from one person to another. These will depend on which nerves and how much damage is in the nerves. Some people may lose their ability to walk, while others may experience remissions with no onset of new symptoms.
MS has a primary and secondary set of symptoms. Primary symptoms are the results of nerve damage due to the attack on the nerves’ protective layer. Doctors usually prevent these symptoms by preventing MS attacks and slowing down nerve damage.
However, when nerve damage occurs, secondary MS symptoms start to manifest. They’re complications from primary symptoms, including urinary tract infections due to weak bladder muscles and muscle tone loss due to the inability to walk.
Doctors can effectively treat the secondary symptoms of MS. However, treating the root cause can prevent primary and secondary symptoms.
As the condition continues to progress, patients will inevitably experience secondary symptoms. Doctors can help manage these through medications, creativity, therapy, and physical adaptation.
When MS happens, the brain can’t send signals throughout the body properly. The disruption in the flow of information between the brain and the muscles, organs, and tissues can cause the following:
In advanced cases of MS, patients can experience cognitive problems, seizures, and tremors. Other multiple sclerosis symptoms are:
Multiple sclerosis rarely causes problems in the circulatory system. However, health issues such as low oxygen supply and shallow breathing may be due to weak muscles in the chest.
Aside from that, the difficulty of moving due to pain, depression, and having no time to do other things may make it more difficult for people with MS to focus on their cardiovascular and circulatory health.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, women with multiple sclerosis are at a higher risk for cardiovascular problems, such as heart failure, stroke, and heart attack.
The good news is that people with MS can lower their risk through regular exercise and physical therapy.
Multiple sclerosis can also cause problems in the skeletal system. Inactivity and use of steroids put patients at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. When the bones become weaker, fractures and breaks can happen more often.
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, several studies show an association between low levels of vitamin D and MS attacks, brain and spinal cord lesions, and worsening symptoms for those who already have the condition.
The impact of vitamin D on people suffering from MS is still not fully understood. However, vitamin D is essential to the health of the skeletal and immune systems.
Although multiple sclerosis has no direct impact on fertility or the reproductive system, sexual dysfunction is common. People suffering from the condition can have difficulty experiencing orgasm or arousal.
However, women with MS find that being pregnant helps delay the symptoms. But a National Multiple Sclerosis Society report shows that two to four in every ten women will experience an MS relapse postpartum.
The sexual dysfunction may be due to nerve damage or MS-related emotional problems, like low self-esteem or depression. Other MS symptoms, such as fatigue and pain, can make intimacy uninteresting and awkward.
Aside from the nervous system and skeletal system, multiple sclerosis also affects the digestive system. People with MS may experience bowel and bladder problems, such as:
Doctors may recommend self-care strategies, diet changes, and physical therapy to manage the impact of these digestive issues. However, there are cases where doctors may require intensive intervention and medications.
If not managed, these issues can lead to kidney, bladder, and urinary tract infections. They can also lead to hygiene problems. People with MS can also experience pain and difficulty urinating.
Multiple sclerosis symptoms can come and go from time to time or get worse over time. The onset of symptoms will depend on the type of MS people have.
Several factors put people at an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Here are some of them:
Aside from the symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis, patients may also develop the following problems:
The doctor will look at your medical history, take note of your symptoms, and perform a neurological and physical examination. Your doctor may carry out several tests as no specific test can determine if one suffers from multiple sclerosis.
Your doctor may perform the following tests:
Upon making a diagnosis, the doctor will determine the type of MS and whether the condition is progressing or not.
With the increasing diagnosis of multiple sclerosis across the globe, experts are coming up with treatment options to hopefully put an end to this paralyzing condition.
If you think that you’re suffering from early signs of multiple sclerosis, consult a doctor immediately. The earlier you act on them, the better chances you have at stopping the progression of the condition.
Aside from the help of your doctor, there are resources and support groups aimed to help people with MS. Learn how to manage multiple sclerosis today and live your life to the fullest!
